Honoring Juneteenth
Juneteenth — “June” plus “nineteenth” — is a day of celebration to commemorate emancipation and the end of slavery in the United States. As we honor this day and celebrate independence, we also recognize the struggle — historically and in our current moment — to achieve true freedom and justice for all. On this annual holiday for our university and nation, this space is offered to promote historical memory and support personal and community reflection.
From the Archives
The Georgetown University Library offers a wide variety of primary materials for those interested in learning more about enslavement, emancipation and African American history. A selection of these materials will be on display in the Lauinger Library vestibule June 10-24.
Juneteenth Events
Juneteenth is being celebrated with events at Georgetown and across the Washington, DC, Maryland and Virginia area.
Q&A With Ella Washington
Q&A With Ella Washington
A Testimonial

For me, this year Juneteenth is about nurturing the joy I find in my Black identity. That means doing the things I enjoy most with my BIPOC peers and recentering the conversation of Black liberation in a positive way. The Black women in my life specifically help me to view a feminist future that recognizes the importance of equity and liberation, especially in terms of reproductive rights and health currently. I am sending appreciation cards to the Black women in my life this year for Juneteenth.
Requiem for the Enslaved
Carlos Simon, an assistant professor in the Department of Performing Arts, invites viewers into the development of his latest work, “Requiem for the Enslaved,” which honors the lives of enslaved men, women and children.
The Price of Georgetown
Numerous sites with deep ties to slavery populate Georgetown University’s campus and the surrounding neighborhoods. This walking tour, developed by the Georgetown University Library’s Booth Family Center for Special Collections, allows anyone to tour these historic sites, either on campus or virtually.
Memory and Reconciliation
Georgetown Recognizes Juneteenth With University Holiday
President DeGioia announced the annual Juneteenth university holiday in 2020.
Recorded at the Dedication of Isaac Hawkins Hall and Anne Marie Becraft Hall (April 18, 2017)
Community Reflections
In 2020 members of the Georgetown community shared their reflections on Juneteenth.
George Washington University Law School